Best of Wales Best Kept secrets…

Here at Best of Wales we like to make sure that you know all the best places to visit in Wales. And by all the best places we not only mean those well known attractions but also those local gems. In our series of Best of Wales Best Kept Secrets this time we speak to Marje from Y Rhosyn in Knighton about her favourite places to visit.

What’s your favourite local walk?

Y Rhosyn is located in true walking country with Offa’s Dyke, Glyndwr’s way and the Kerry Ridgeway all fairly close to the cottage. However my favourite walks are taken from the doorstep. One walk behind the cottage and across the river Teme will take you up the quiet lane and across the fields with views all the way down our beautiful valley following the line of the meandering river, to Knighton.

The Offa’s Dyke Path

The second is a walk from the front of the cottage up to the heather and wild heath land of Beacon Hill where larks, curlew and grouse are just some of the wildlife which may be seen and heard.

It’s a sunny day, where would you head to?

For a restful time without the car enjoy a picnic beside the river with a bit of wild swimming in the cool water, enjoy lunch in the Radnorshire Arms garden, tea at ‘Polly’s’ in Knighton or otherwise head out to the beautiful tiny ancient town of Montgomery picking up a local Welsh ice cream at ‘Dairy Dreams’ in Sarn on the way.

Best Day out?

There’s a great choice of activities around us including quad biking, horse riding, cycling and fishing for the active, but for us a trip to Powis Castle, Gregynog or Glansevern gardens are just some of many stunning houses and gardens in this area and they all have tea shops with Welsh specialities!

Powis Castle a must visit

Best Place to sit and relax watching life pass you by?

The sun room in Y Rhosyn has been designed and built for just that purpose. It has underfloor heating floor to ceiling glass and a balcony from which you can watch the vast amount of wildlife while listening to the sounds of the river below. It is the highpoint for our visitors, totally relaxing and warm through summer and winter alike. Take breakfast out on the balcony, as many do.

The Sun Room at Y Rhosyn

Binoculars and wildlife information is provided, as well as food for the vast array of visiting birds. If you are lucky enough you may catch sight of our otter.

Best place for cake?

The Tower House Gallery and tea rooms in Knighton serve wonderful cake as do the Clock Tower tearooms, Polly’s and Barclays, you’ll be spoilt for choice. In addition you can get a fantastic breakfast at JD’s, all located in Knighton, just 5 miles from Y Rhosyn.

Best place to visit on a rainy day?

If it’s rained (which of course doesnt happen often in Wales!) then heading out to the Elan Valley is a must! Our version of the Lake District, Elan Valley has a visitor centre and fantastic wildlife and scenery all around the reservoirs. After heavy rain the dams cascade with tons of water and it is a truly spectacular sight and you must admire the marvellous engineering involved in providing water for Birmingham.

Elan Valley

On the way home visit the kite feeding centre at Gigrin Farm to see literally hundreds of these beautiful birds swoop and dive for their food, a sight worth seeing!

Somewhere off the beaten track?

A visit to the Tannant Valley to steep yourself in the legend of St Mellangel, the medieval saint who hid wild hares under her skirts to save them from the hunters. See the lovely little church with her shrine, spend a quiet time at the retreat there or just enjoy the perfect tranquillity of the valley, walk up to the waterfall or take a picnic and enjoy the peace.

Alternatively, closer to home, visit one of the many ruined border castles; take in the more local legend of Queen Guinevere’s castle just 2 miles down the road at Knucklas.

Best place for a great meal?

There are great meals to be had at The Radnorshire Arms 2 miles away, The Castle 4 miles away, and the brilliant Sunday Lunches at The Lloyney. For fine dining there is the famous Waterdine Restaurant 4 miles towards Knighton in the village of Llanfair Waterdine.

Best place for a Welsh welcome?

The town of Knighton is a wonderful old fashioned Welsh town where you find all the memories of the towns of your childhood. Friendly and welcoming with little shops, some of which will take you back a few years. When was the last time you visited a family drapers shop with haberdashery (and modern stock!)?

Knighton Town

Your favourite local place?

The village post office and shop with its historic signs decorating the front of what was the Old Smithy. Take a walk behind the shop in to the meadow and stroll along the river, or even dip your toes in! Cross the road and walk up to the heath land of Cefyn Pawl, just part of Beacon Hill, where you can see the larks and meadow pipits as well as a curlew if you’re there at the right time.

Lastly any other tips?

We, as owners have lots of local knowledge which we enjoy passing on to you, offering you options along the less trodden tracks. For instance we can direct you to where you can see and walk amongst the acres of bluebells close to Knighton and to where you may see rare orchids growing. Occasionally we are able to offer wildlife study days with an expert from the local wildlife trust.

Fancy heading to Y Rhosyn, take a look at the availability and make a booking today.